Great White Shark and Seal Special (3 Nights)

From AUD$1,995.00

Duration: 4 Days (approx.)

Product code: TOUR-SHARKSEAL

This expedition is set in the longest summer days of the year and ideal for people who’d like to spend a little more time with the Australian Sea lions of Hopkins Island or exploring the fur seal colonies of the Neptune Islands by tender boat. We even look for extra opportunities to get our expedition members on shore one of the islands in the region to really get a feel for the extra wildlife and scenery of the region. We've set a whole day aside for such attractions.

We also dedicate 2 further days of diving to the Great White Shark in what has proved to be an extremely reliable time of the year. On this expedition, we launch the world’s only Ocean Floor Cage (for qualified SCUBA Divers). However, all guests are also able to get up-close and personal with Great Whites in our Surface Cage. It is an Expedition for people of all ages, although we recommend children are at least 8 years old, and able to cope in an adult environment.

Day 1We’ll meet you at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 7:45pm and escort you to the Princess II. Welcome aboard at 8:00pm. You’ll be shown to your cabins where you can unload before the formal introductions and safety talk. Bedtime is up to you, but it’s anchors aweigh at 5:00am. (Not that you have to get up then).

Day 2 You can sleep in until breakfast time, but it is worth getting up at day-break for spectacular scenery – as we pass through the stunning Thorny Passage and stop by the Hopkins Islands for an hour so you can snorkel or dive with Australian Sea Lions.... . Then on this special itinerary, according to the current prevailing weather conditions, we then look for locations with another great location or perhaps a land tour in the area. This can include treats such as more Australian sea lions, or perhaps leafy sea dragons, or any other interesting endemic coastal and underwater species. We can even look to catch a feed of abalone, a seafood delicacy to be cooked up by our chef and tried out onboard.

We ultimately head to anchor at the Neptune Islands (our destination), where we might potentially spot a few dorsal fins, and excite us for the next 2-days shark diving. After the exhilaration of the day, there is time to relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, engage in the Great White Shark Research Talk (really interesting, with some amazing photography), check out the amazing night-sky, retire to your cabin.

Day 3

Divers are briefed on safety, and the Surface Cage hits the water, ready for action. Our priority is for everyone to see the sharks in the surface cage before we descend deeper with our SCUBA diving guests in the ocean floor cage.

We also like to hop in the tender boat, check out the New Zealand Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. Here, there are many bird species to watch and the elusive Australian Sea Lions can also sometimes be spotted.

The evening brings more opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white. There is plenty time to chill out and rest. We have heaps of games on board, as well as books and videos and sometimes host a night of shark quizzes and fun – it’s really up to you how you spend the evening. Hit the hay when you feel like it.

Day 4 More time to spend Surface and Ocean Floor diving – there is no time limit in the cages, as long as everyone has their fair share. You can also do some Shark and Wildlife watching from the observation deck, relax with a book, work on your tan – anything that floats your boat. Leave the Neptune Islands by 1.30PM and enjoy some local South Australian ‘drinks on the bow’ usually with common dolphins joining us for company. We arrive at Port Lincoln by 6.00pm ready for disembarking by 6.30PM.

*Itinerary is indicative only (subject to weather and any other circumstances that may affect the scheduling of events).